Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Owner'S Manual

Page: 106 / 208

If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R
the maximum permissible fording depth in
still water is 60 cm
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you should drive no faster than walking
pace
Off-road fording
! The water depth must not exceed 60 cm.
Note that the possible fording depth is less
in flowing water.
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and neighbouring
assemblies.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior equip-
ment.
! During or after fording, the red battery
charge indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster may light up.
The poly-V-belt is wet and is slipping on the
drive pulley.
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Drive on slowly.
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Accelerate gently.
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Do not switch off the engine.
The poly-V-belt will dry out after fording.
The red battery charge indicator lamp goes
out after 15 seconds.
Fording depth must not exceed 60 cm when
the vehicle is loaded and ready to drive.
Loaded and ready to drive means: a full tank,
all fluids topped up and the driver is in the
vehicle.
i You may only drive through freshwater.
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Observe the safety notes (
Y
page 106) and
the general notes (
Y
page 106) on off-road
driving.
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Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
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Switch off the air-conditioning system.
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Shift the transfer case to
LOW(
Y
page 110).
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Engage the differential locks, if necessary
(
Y
page 112).
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Restrict the shift range to 1 or
2(
Y
page 93).
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Avoid high engine speeds.
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Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
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Drive slowly and at a constant speed
through the water.
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Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine.
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Water offers a high degree of resistance,
the ground is slippery and, in some cases,
unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and dan-
gerous to pull away in the water.
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Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
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Clean any mud from the tyre tread after
fording.
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Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
104
Driving tips
Driving and parking